Spring racing is well and truly underway with The Everest this weekend and the Melbourne Cup less than a month away.

It’s the most important time of year for the racing industry, particularly for the little blokes steering horses through a race.

One of Australia’s top jockeys, Tommy Berry, joined Ray in the studio to chat about life in one of the most misunderstood jobs.

Those who don’t know anything about racing think jockeys are mere passengers, hanging on for dear life.

When you hear Tommy describe an average week as a top hoop, it’s clear that couldn’t be further from reality.

“I usually get up just after 3 o’clock and I go in and ride track work.

“I do one day at Randwick, I do four days at Rosehill and try to get out to Warwick Farm one day a week as well.

“I come home, I’ll try to get half an hour to an hour’s sleep before I have to jump in the bath and lose three to four pounds sometimes and then head off to the races for the day.”

Ray and Tommy

Jockeys are famous for their slight stature but it’s not all genetically gifted. Almost all of them have to live a life of deprivation to make weight.

“Pretty much Saturday night and Sunday is the only day that I get to eat properly and then other than that it’s just very, very light feeds.

“That’s the life I chose… It was something I learnt from a young age that wasting is a tough gig but that’s something I want to do and I’ve got to deal with it.”

Very pleased to be given the ride aboard Home Of The Brave for @godolphin @JamesCummings88 & @atc_races in this years Everest #🔵

— Tommy Berry (@TommyBerry21) October 3, 2018

This Saturday, Tommy is back in action at Randwick in the world’s richest horse race on turf, The Everest.

He’s on board Home of the Brave and tells Ray how he thinks the race will play out.

Click PLAY below for the full interview